One year check-up

Matthew had his one year appointment today. He weights 27 lbs 9 oz & is 34 inches long. He is off the charts for height, but a little under weight (in the 95% range)--nothing to be concerned about. I did ask about his nutritional needs because he's not your typical 1 year old. I asked if we should switch to whole milk or try the second stage formula. Typically at 1 year it is time to stop formula and switch to milk. She said typically she does not suggest the stage 2 formula, but because of Matthew's needs, she suggested speaking with a nutritionist. Matthew lost a little weight, but she thinks it is because he's more active...kicking, wiggling, etc. She is referring us to a nutritionist.

His head is a normal size. His soft spot is closing (which is normal for this age) so we will continue to wear the helmet until it closes. His head is slightly misshapen still, but it's not bad.

Dr. Wilert feels that Matthew has a "retractable testicle". Which, pretty much is what it sounds like. We can sometimes find it, but other times, it...well...retracts. My guess is, if he was sitting up, gravity would be on his side. She has referred us to an Urologist. We will also address his catheter-related injury (Which is fine, but we want to make sure his urine stream is ok...it's hard to tell when he wears a diaper if he can pee normal)

I have been reading on Matthew's Infantile Spasms (IS) and I found some information that it might be linked to immunizations. . This is not confirmed and when I asked Dr. Wilert today she gave an answer that seemed to be somewhat programmed, "We do not feel there is a link". She was very PC about it and was sincere. I asked her if she felt it could be genetic. Since we are pretty sure it wasn't an injury or trauma at birth, we want to make sure it's not genetic. She did not feel it was, but I did ask if she could refer us to a Generic’s Counselor. We want to have more kids, but we want to make sure it's not going to happen again. She told me the closest Generic’s testing was at UAB. (University of Alabama, Birmingham). That's a 4 hour drive--each way. I guess we're going to have a mini-vacation.

We have a busy day, we have Physical Therapy this afternoon and I have some calls. Chris is home (sick) still, but he can't leave the house (military orders that he stays HOME) so he can't help me out and take him to PT. I'm hoping Matt naps soon so he won't be grouchy or sleepy for PT. We are going to get his new big-boy stroller this weekend and our Developmental Teacher (Eleanor) is going to bring us a catalog with ped. Medical equipment for a new bath tub. She said they make one that is made with PVC pipe and a sling. Sounds like that would work just fine. We might be able to get that covered from insurance BC it's medically necessary, so we'll see.